David Z, Grammy-Winning Producer Who Helped Prince’s Early Career, Dies at 78

David Rivkin, a Grammy-winning producer and engineer also known as David Z, has died at the age of 78. The influential studio veteran died on Sunday (Aug. 2) at a hospital in Burbank, Calif., due to complications from an infection, according to The Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Widely regarded as one of the architects of the Minneapolis Sound, David Z played a pivotal role in launching rock icon Prince‘s career by producing his early demo recordings and engineering some of his early albums. His expertise also extended to work on Lipps Inc.’s chart-topping “Funkytown,” which earned the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1980. Additionally, David Z co-produced Fine Young Cannibals’ “She Drives Me Crazy,” which topped the Hot 100 in 1989 and earned a Grammy nomination for record of the year in 1990.

Throughout his career, David Z collaborated with an extensive list of acclaimed artists, including Etta James, Buddy Guy, Jonny Lang and Al Green. He co-produced Jody Watley’s No. 2 Hot 100 hit “Looking for a New Love” and her top 10 “Some Kind of Lover,” as well at top 10 hits on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for Prince-affiliated artists The Family (“Screams of Passion,” No. 9 in 1985) and Sheila E (“Hold Me,” No. 3 in 1987), among others. His work behind the boards earned him a Grammy Award in 2005 for his production on James’ Blues to the Bone album, solidifying his reputation as one of the most respected producers to emerge from Minnesota’s music scene.

In the statement announcing his passing, David Z’s brother, Bobby Z — drummer for Prince & The Revolution — remembered the producer as a fearless innovator in the studio, recalling his unconventional approach to recording and describing him as a “true rebel.”

Beyond his technical experience, David Z’s influence stretched across generations of musicians, helping define the distinctive Minneapolis Sound that rose to international prominence in the late 1970s and 1980s. His production style and engineering techniques left a lasting imprint on funk, pop, rock, blues and soul recordings.

The Minneapolis Sound Facebook page paid tribute to the late producer, writing, “You were an important and essential part of the Minneapolis Sound, David and we will always appreciate U.”

David Z is survived by his brothers, Bobby Z and Stephen Rivkin, as well as his children and two grandchildren.